Argosy, Vol. 1 (1882) — page 12: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ON THE TRAIL OF A MYSTERY. 3 was well expressed, and no doubt that so far as its value to practical modern journalism is concerned nine tenths oi it was rubbish; for no one but a callow youth would venture to give instruc- tion to men who were successful editors before he was born. “ But, let that go. The applications from fresh college graduates for situ- ations on The Pioneer that have been received within the past ten days are between ninety and one _ hundred. These applications have been filed with- out giving the slightest encouragement in any one case. Now, Mr. McIntyre, what do you think ought to be done with your application? ” My hopes, which were at the boiling point when I stepped into the manag- ing editor’s sanctum, had sunk to zero. Not very graciously I replied, “ Noth- ing,’ and rose to go. Mr. Forsythe laughed and motioned me to be seated. “Your answer is so sensible that it has prepossessed me in your favor. I thought it only right to speak plainly and truthfully to you. Perhaps I have raised the question in your mind as to what earthly chance there is of a young man of ability entering journalism, and you have answered the question by say- ing there is no chance at all.” “You have certainly shown such to be the fact,” I remarked. “The impression is erroneous, for though the opportunity is slight, never- theless it exists. A man of ability will carve the way for himself. He cannot be repressed.” “To come to the point,” said I, with returning assurance, “in what way can I prove my fitness providing I have a spark of it, which I very much doubt? ” “Go out through the city; visit the police courts ; wander through the levee section; study human nature wherever you see it; avoid the beaten paths; strive to be original as well as observ- ant; do things differently from others; study simplicity and directness of speech; avoid all attempts at style and fine writing ; put your ideas in language that will interest a child; be graphic, pointed and accurate, and when these conditions are complied with, send me your contribution and it will be impar- tially considered, and my decision will be based, perhaps not wholly upon its merits, but upon the availability of the article for The Pioneer.” Having delivered himself of this emi- nently sensible advice, the managing editor lit another cigarette, leaned back in his chair, and waited for my re- sponse. “I will admit, Mr. Forsythe, that the path which I pictured as lined with roses, is filled with thorns. Still I am hopeful of forcing a passage through it.” ‘“ Well expressed, and’ don’t be dis- couraged if your first dozen efforts are failures ” He stopped so abruptly that the cause was apparent. In the midst of his sentence, he had suddenly thought of an opening for me. I knew it and my heart fluttered with renewed hope. “You look like an athlete; have you ever played football? ” he asked. “ T have been full back for two years on our eleven, and I think helped a lit- tle in winning the championship for our college last year.” “Good! How are you on horseman- ship?” “TI was born and lived in Texas until I entered college,” “ Better yet! The boys there learn to ride before they know how to walk. I presume,” he added with a smile, “ you know something of firearms.” “ Such a question is almost an insult to a Texan.” “Best of all! Your early training presupposes that you are brave, daring, cool and resourceful. All these quali- ties being assumed, I am prepared to make you a proposition.” Wondering and expectant I awaited eco